Al-Sharaa calls on Syrians to celebrate one year since Assad's removal

Exactly one year after insurgents initiated their attack against Syria's previous leader Bashar al-Assad, interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa called on citizens to mark the milestone.

Speaking on state television, he encouraged people to take to the streets this Friday "to express their happiness over this remarkable campaign."

Al-Sharaa extended his congratulations to Syrians on the anniversary, describing it as the beginning of the mission to liberate the entire nation. He stated that the movement had successfully dismantled "the criminal regime" in every aspect. He also urged gatherings in major squares to showcase national solidarity.

The rebel coalition, spearheaded by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), toppled long-standing ruler Assad in a rapid assault in early December, bringing an end to decades of Assad family leadership. Syria is currently under the control of an interim government led by HTS chief al-Sharaa.

Commentary: A Year of Transition in Syria

One year has passed since insurgents launched their decisive attack against Bashar al-Assad's regime, bringing an end to decades of Assad family rule. This anniversary marks not just a political shift, but a moment of reflection on Syria's journey through conflict and change. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's call for nationwide celebrations on state television encapsulates the triumph his coalition feels in dismantling the Assad government.

Al-Sharaa's statement, describing the overthrow of the regime as the "beginning of the mission to liberate the entire nation," reveals the ongoing aspirations of the new leadership. His words emphasize national unity and pride, urging Syrians to take to the streets to demonstrate their support for the interim government and its vision for the future.

However, while the fall of Assad's regime represents a major milestone, it is crucial to recognize the complexities that lie ahead for Syria. The country, still fractured by internal divisions, faces the monumental task of rebuilding not only its infrastructure but also its social fabric. The role of the Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), in leading the charge raises further questions about the direction Syria's political landscape will take under this new leadership. Will the promise of national unity prevail, or will ideological rifts deepen as the country moves toward a more uncertain future?

As Syrians gather in squares across the nation, it is clear that the anniversary signifies both a victory and a pivotal point in a long, difficult road toward recovery and reconciliation. The coming months will reveal whether the vision of a united, liberated Syria is achievable, or if the forces of division will continue to undermine the country's future.

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• Al-Sharaa invites Syrians to celebrate one year since Assad overthrow